Nobel laureate, Prof Wole Soyinka; Ondo state governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko; his Ekiti state counterpart, Kayode Fayemi and Minister of Culture, Edem Duke have tasked Nigerians on the promotion and preservation of the various indigenous languages in the country.
The prominent Nigerians said since languages are part of the culture of the people, efforts should be made to ensure that the languages do not go into extinction.
They spoke at an international conference to mark the 50th anniversary of the death of the Yoruba literary icon, late Chief Daniel Olorunfemi Fagunwa with the theme “D.O. Fagunwa (1903-1963), Fifty Years On”. The day also marked his 110 birthday anniversary.
Mimiko said there is the need to encourage the use of mother tongue and the development of the culture of the people.
According to him, the state government had recommended the use of the books of Fagunwa in secondary schools across the state, saying the books were capable of preserving Yoruba language and culture.
He noted that many of Nigerian authors had contributed to the socio-economic development of the country and should therefore be celebrated.
Also speaking, Fayemi said the contributions and impact of Fagunwa’s poetry prowess could not be over emphasised.
He said efforts should be made to ensure that indigenous languages are not allow to die in the country.
According to him, there was the need for government to preserve the culture of the people, adding that language was part of the culture of the people.
The Minister in his speech at the event said the Federal Government had commenced the process of teaching of indigenous languages across the country.
He said the ministry was ready to ensure the preservation on the culture of the various ethnic groups in the country.
Speaking through the Director General, National Institute of Cultural Orientation (NICO), Barclays Ayankoroma, the minister said a centre for the teaching of the local languages would be established in Akure.
The Commissioner for Culture and Tourism in Ondo State, Deji Falae, said the creative writings of Fagunwa helped in promoting and preserving the cultural heritage of the people.
He, however, said the programme would provide a great platform to further deepen the interaction as stakeholders in Fagunwa project.
The Commissioner also said the present administration in the state had implemented various programmes and policies aimed at promoting culture and tourism development.
